GAROWE (WDN) – A high-level delegation led by Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) arrived this afternoon in Garowe, the capital of Puntland State.

The delegation received a warm welcome from Puntland officials before being escorted to the presidential palace. President Madobe and President Said Abdullahi Deni are expected to hold a series of strategic meetings aimed at strengthening ties between the two Federal Member States (FMS) and to re-establish a broader coalition against the centralization trends under the current administration in Mogadishu. The discussions will also explore launching a meaningful national dialogue platform, with Garowe or Kismayo under consideration as potential venues.

Since the beginning of this year, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has faced growing criticism for failing to initiate any credible and inclusive dialogue to address Somalia’s deepening political divisions. In response, efforts are now underway to lay the groundwork for an alternative reconciliation process—one that places the real opposition at the center.

At the forefront of this initiative is the opposition coalition known as Samata Bixinta Soomaaliya (Salvation of Somalia), led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. Also expected to participate are other independent political parties that have remained outside the orbit of the president’s inner circle and have rejected the legitimacy of the so-called “loyal opposition” aligned with Villa Somalia.

The visit signals a potential shift in political momentum, as Puntland and Jubaland appear ready to take the lead in facilitating a Somali-owned, Somali-led dialogue to salvage the country’s stalled federal process.

WardheerNews